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BolensUSACatalog archive

Bolens G172

Production years: 1978–1981

Compare with other modelsValue machine
Engine horsepower
17 HP
—
Displacement
0.8 L
2-cylinder engine
Drive and chassis
2WD
Unsynchronized gear (6F/2R)
Operating weight
479 kg
1,056 lbs

Sources and field evidence

Catalog Archive: Baseline specifications compiled from historical manufacturer archives and equipment registries. Laboratory test report verification in progress.

Bolens G172
VLM Verified Authentic
Bolens G172

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Engineering & Capability Benchmark

Specific output, tractive ratio, and segment percentile

Compact / Sub-Compact Yard
Global Tractor Fleet Power SpectrumTop 93% of all indexed machinery
Compact (20 HP)Utility (100 HP)Row-Crop (250 HP)Titans (600+ HP)
Specific Output
21.3 HP/L
Aspiration: Unknown
Traction Ratio
28.2 kg/HP
Agile transport & crop care
PTO Efficiency
—
Mechanical driveline
Hydraulic Flow
Standard
Auxiliary implement ports

Engine and power specifications

Engine model
Mitsubishi KE 75
Fuel type
Diesel
Rated horsepower
17 hp
Rated PTO Power
N/A (Bolens specification)
Cylinders
2
Displacement
0.8 L (46.6 ci)
Bore / stroke
3.07x3.15 inches 78 x 80 mm
Rated RPM
N/A
Crankcase oil capacity
2.7 qts (~2.6 L)
Coolant capacity
4.4 qts (~4.2 L)

Maintenance picks for the G172

Oil capacity 2.7 qts — match the filter before you drain.

Transmission and chassis specifications

Transmission type
Unsynchronized gear (6F/2R)
Gears (forward / reverse)
6 forward / 2 reverse
Drive system
2WD
Wheelbase
50.4 in
Front tire
4.00-12
Rear tire
8-16
Hydraulic flow
N/A
Rear hitch
N/A
ASABE EP496 Engineering Matcher

Implement Draft & Ballast Matcher

Simulate draft resistance, drawbar power transfer, and optimal axle weight distribution for Bolens G172.

Overloaded / Wheel Slip Alert(491%)
CAD DRAFT SCHEMATIC • Wide-Span Field Cultivator
SOIL: Medium Tilled LoamDEPTH: 4"SPEED: 7 MPH491% LOAD
SOIL SURFACE (0.0")SUB-SURFACE PLOW PAN (~14")17 HP◄ 3,129 LBS DRAFT4" DEPTH
DRAWBAR DEMAND: 58.4 HPWIDTH / SIZE: 18 ft Width
ASABE D497.7 Tillage Specific Resistance Formula
Implement Size (ft Width)18 ft Width
18 ft WidthDefault: 4270 ft Width
Tillage / Seeding Depth4 inches (10 cm)
2"Target: 4"6"
Target Operating Field Speed7.0 mph (11.3 km/h)
5 mphRated: 7 mph9 mph
Engine Power Demand vs Rated Output83.4 HP / 17 HP Rated
0%55% (Min Load)60-85% (Sweet Spot)100% (Cap)
Draft Force
3,129 lbs
Drawbar Power
58.4 HP
Target Slip
8% - 12%
Axle Ballast Balance (2WD Standard Utility )Calibrated for Wide-Span Field Cultivator (100 lbs/HP standard)
Target: 1,426 lbs
(Est. Structural Cap)
Capped at Estimated Structural Ceiling (1,426 lbs)

Theoretical draft formula suggests 1,700 lbs. Official manufacturer GVWR is unrecorded for this catalog entry, so target weight is constrained to an engineering structural estimate (~135% of base operating weight) to prevent chassis overload.

Front Axle: 28%Rear Axle: 72%
181 kg (399 lbs)466 kg (1,027 lbs)
Ballast Adjustment vs Base:+370 lbs (168 kg)
Hourly Diesel Burn
0.8 gal/h
3 L/hr (est. $3/h)
Hydraulic Fan Status
Standard Draw
No fan req

Engine demand (83.4 HP) exceeds rated power (17 HP). Reduce working speed by 1.0-1.5 mph or reduce working width.

Target ballast is capped at 1,426 lbs based on structural engineering estimate (~135% base weight; official manufacturer GVWR unrecorded). Avoid adding excess ballast beyond this benchmark to protect axle bearings and chassis.

Instant Used Market Valuation Projector

Algorithmic resale estimate for Bolens G172 (1978)

Full Appraisal Tool
Operating Meter Hours3,200 hrs
Mechanical & Physical Condition
Empirical model calibrated against dealer & auction lots
Estimated Fair Market Value
$762
Basis: 17 HP • 48 yrs old
Auction / Wholesale
$625 – $701
Dealer Retail Asking
$800 – $899
3-Year Projected Resale Curve~5% annual retention decay
Year 2027
$724
Year 2028
$688
Year 2029
$653

Direct Segment Rivals & Showdowns

Head-to-head match-ups calibrated by horsepower and era

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20 HP
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20 HP
Yanmar+3 HP
FX20
20 HP

Looking for a used Bolens G172?

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Bolens

USA • 16 Models

Bolens is a storied American brand with a rich history in the outdoor power equipment industry, spanning over 150 years. Founded in the late 19th century, Bolens initially gained recognition for its innovative garden tractors and outdoor machinery. The company's early breakthroughs included the development of reliable and efficient garden tractors that became popular among homeowners and small-scale farmers. Bolens' commitment to quality and innovation was evident in its product line, which expanded to include a variety of outdoor equipment such as lawn mowers, riding mowers, string trimmers, snow blowers, tillers, and edgers. In the 1980s, Bolens entered into a strategic partnership with Iseki, a Japanese manufacturer, to produce a line of compact tractors that combined Japanese technology with American design. This collaboration resulted in the Bolens Diesel Tractor line, which was well-received for its economy and performance. However, the company's trajectory changed in 1985 when it was acquired by Garden Way, a move that marked a new chapter in its history. Despite the acquisition, Bolens continued to operate as a distinct brand, maintaining its reputation for quality and reliability. The Bolens compact tractor line was eventually discontinued in 1991, but the brand's legacy persisted through its other product offerings. Today, Bolens continues to be a recognizable name in the outdoor power equipment market, with a focus on lawn and garden machinery. The brand's enduring appeal lies in its commitment to providing durable and efficient tools for homeowners and gardening enthusiasts. While the company has evolved over the years, it remains true to its roots, offering a range of products that reflect its long-standing tradition of excellence.

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